8/17/22

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭2 John‬ ‭1:5-9.

“I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.”

John tells us that even in the early church there were those who couldn’t believe that Jesus came as one of us. It is such an awesome sacrifice we find it hard to understand, but God’s love is beyond our human capability. John warns against letting our lack of understanding affect our faith.

Paul writes “we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), that faith is based on more than human senses. Jesus tells Thomas and the other disciples after His resurrection “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). By faith we trust the testimony of those who were there and the lessons they give of the truth of Christ.

We are called to share this truth as well, becoming those of whom Jesus spoke, who believe without seeing. Don’t let the world’s unbelief cause you to stumble. God’s love for us is real, embodied in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your son to love and save and free us. Bless us to go in Your name, sharing the gift of salvation with everyone. Amen.

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